When did an iPhone sell for $599?

This is a screen shot from the online Apple store taken today. I am wondering when did the original price of an 8GB iPhone was $599 ever? The website also claims that we get a 42% off original price for this refurbished item. A new 8GB iPhone today costs $399. So I am wondering how can one save 42% when the refurbished cost for the same 8GB iPhone is $349.
Here is a screen shot for a new 8GB iPhone on the Apple store website for today. Now I am not sure what kind of a marketing technique is this.